Now that we have an official screenwriter for the new Star Wars sequel (Toy Story 3 writer Michael Arndt), there are a lot of questions swirling through fans' heads, including what the story will be and which former characters will return. It's been reported that Arndt's treatment for the film includes Luke (Mark Hamill) and Leia (Carrie Fisher, who's interested in returning). Now it looks like everyone's favorite heavy-breather might be back as well.
Daily Express (via Zap2it) is reporting that villain Darth Vader (formerly Anakin Skywalker) "will rise from the ashes" in the upcoming Episode VII, despite dying in Return of the Jedi (1983). A source explains, "He's an integral part of the franchise. Replacing him is virtually impossible. The plan is for him to return and play a significant role in the new films."
If the rumors are true, does this mean we'll get to hear James Earl Jones' great voice again? Let's just hope it won't call for Hayden Christensen in prosthetic makeup.
The report comes on the heels of news that Lucasfilm is down to "a couple of candidates" to fill the director's chair. To think that less than a month ago, a lot of fans had accepted the fact that another Star Wars film would never happen!